Irene Marie Erickson, 86, of Harlowton, MT, formerly of Jefferson Township, Wisconsin, passed away Friday, February 13th, 2026, in Wheatland Memorial Healthcare.
She was born May 26, 1940, in Jefferson Township, Wisconsin, the daughter of Lester C. and Alta A. (Linnehan) Cooley. She was raised in the Melvina area and graduated from Cashton High School in 1958 and then attended Vernon County Teachers College and graduated. She taught for one year at Elm Grove, NW of Sparta, WI. She was united in marriage on December 21, 1960, in Wisconsin.
Her family moved to Harlowton in 1971 to operate the Coast to Coast store from 1971 to 1988. She then went to work as the Activities Director at Wheatland Memorial Nursing Home. Irene found her little corner of the world at Wheatland Memorial Nursing Home, being of service to those who were in need of care and love. They added to her life as they gave her firsthand stories of their life. She was there when they came to their new home and sat with many as they left for Heaven. She made lasting friendships with not only residents but also their families, members and co-workers.
She was a member of the American Lutheran Church in Harlowton. Irene enjoyed gardening and crocheting.
She is survived by her two sons; Tim (Sandra) of Burns, OR and Todd (Catharine) of Riverton, UT; one brother Jerry (Mary) Cooley, two sisters, Nancy (James) Seitz and Susan Cooley all in Wisconsin; four grandchildren: Tammy, Timmy, Erika, and Beth; and six great-grandchildren.
Services were held for Irene on Monday, March 23, 2026, in Montana. Family and friends are invited for a graveside service on Saturday, April 18, 2026, 11 a.m. at the Melvina Union Cemetery, Melvina, Wisconsin. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
Torkelson Funeral Home
